NEW BEDFORD — The New Bedford Police Department has collected a record amount of prescription drugs during their most recent drug take-back event.

During National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on October 27, the New Bedford Police Department collected 420 pounds of medication. The drugs were mostly unwanted or expired prescriptions turned in by residents.

The number of drugs collected by the New Bedford Police Department surpassed previous totals of drug take-back days in the city and also outnumbered the amount of drugs turned into all area police departments.

During April's drug take-back event, New Bedford Police collected 367.8 pounds of outdated and unwanted medications, 52 pounds less than what was collected last week.

The New Bedford Police Department hosts two drug take-back events each year, in April and October. The event provides a safe and responsible way for residents to dispose of unwanted or expired medication and also educates the public on the abuse of such medication.

Outdated or unwanted prescription medications can be dropped off year-round at the New Bedford Police Department headquarters, 871 Rockdale Avenue, the downtown police station, 572 Pleasant Street, the North End station, 781 Ashley Boulevard, and the South End station, 168 Cove Street.

Needles, syringes, and lancets can be dropped off at three New Bedford locations: Greater New Bedford Community Health Center, 874 Purchase Street, 508-992-6553; and two locations of Seven Hills Behavioral Health, 1173 Acushnet Avenue, 508-996-0546; and 589 South First Street, 508-996-3147. Call the locations for specific hours and additional information.

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